19 lakh pilgims venerate sacred relics of St Francis Xavier

PANAJI: More than 19 lakh pilgrims from all over Goa, other parts of India and elsewhere venerated the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier in Se Cathedral at Old Goa during the ongoing Exposition.
The decennial event wherein the relics of the Spanish saint are brought down from atop the mausoleum in Basilica of Bom Jesus and taken in a ceremonial procession to the Cathedral in the world heritage church complex began on November 22, 2014.
The former capital is abuzz with pilgrims and tourists arriving in all modes of transport, either devoutly taking part in Eucharistic services in a huge pandal erected outside the Basilica or stand in the queue to kiss the relics of the saint regarded as "Goencho Saib" (Lord of Goa).
In just over a fortnight, the number of pilgrims had crossed 10 lakh.
Many tourists and locals only visit the fair and authorities estimate that around
12 lakh attended masses and visited the fair, where scores of stalls sell sweet meats, clothes, utensils, toys and various other articles.
Religious services have been held in foreign languages, such as English, French, Italian, Spanish and Italian as well as in a number of Indian languages, Marathi, Hindi, Kanada, Gujarati, Malyalam, Tamil. Most services are held in the local language, Konkani.
More than 30 lakh pilgrims had paid homage to St Xavier during the last Exposition in 2004.
The event will end on January 4, 2014 after the Relics are taken to the Basilica in a ceremonial procession.